Childhood sweethearts Ruth and George celebrate 80 happy years together

A couple who first met in a school playground in Bradford have now celebrated 72 years of marriage.

Ruth and George Waterhouse became childhood sweethearts almost 80 years ago after George moved to the city at the age of 14 and have remained together happily ever since.

And even distance could not keep the couple apart when Mr Waterhouse, now aged 93, returned to his native Northamptonshire while serving with the Royal Air Force.

His wife, now aged 92, remained back in Bradford, where she worked as a waitress at her sister’s cafe.

But her future husband would regularly make the 300-mile round trip to see her until the distance became too much and he proposed and asked Ruth to move in with him. They married in 1942 and the couple moved to Cheshire in 1971.

On retirement they moved to Blackpool but returned to Culcheth in Warrington, to live at Holcroft Grange in 2012.

When asked what is the best thing about married life Mr Waterhouse said: “Living together and sharing a home – which we still do to this day.

His wife added: “The secret to a long and happy marriage is taking care and looking after one another.”

The home marked the anniversary with presents for the happy couple.

“Everyone at Holcroft made such an effort on our special day, spoiling us with flowers and chocolate, and even a bottle of wine,” added Ruth.